Dykes was named WAC Coach of the Year in 2011 as he guided Louisiana Tech to an (8-5) record. This year, his team did even better, by going (9-3). However, his team wasn't selected for a bowl game after posturing by the La Tech administration cost the program an invite to the Independence Bowl.

Dykes replaces Jeff Tedford who coached the last 11 seasons at Cal. Tedford went (3-9) this season and was dismissed as soon as the regular season ended.

Dykes previous coaching experience includes three years at Arizona as an offensive coordinator and seven seasons at Texas Tech as a wide receiver coach and co-offensive coordinator under Mike Leach.

Dykes is a graduate of Texas Tech, and Coronado High School. He is also one of the sons of former Texas Tech Football head coach Spike Dykes.